Saints youngsters extend stay at Northampton

Ollie Sleightholme, in action for Northampton Saints in the Heineken European Champions Cup. He's signed a new deal with the club along with fellow Academy graduate Connor Tupai.Credit: PA

The sporting calendar may be on hold but it's not stopping Northampton Saints from building for the future in rugby's Gallagher Premiership.

They've announced that two of their academy graduates - both sons of former Saints stars - have signed new deals to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

England Under 20s winger Ollie Sleightholme first linked up with the Club’s Academy seven years ago, and progressed through the ranks to make his full debut last season – taking just 15 seconds to score on his first Gallagher Premiership appearance against Wasps

Ollie's dad Jon spent six years at Northampton, between 1997 and 2003, during which he became a full England international on the wing.

Also staying on is New Zealand born scrum half Connor Tupai. The 20 year old made his Saints debut in last season's Premiership Rugby Cup, but has made appearances in both the Premiership and the Heineken European Champions Cup.

Connor's father Paul was a back-row forward with Saints between 2005 and 2008.